The former speaker was left for political dead last year after his top campaign advisers quit over a disagreement on the direction of the campaign and its financial structure. But he came roaring back in late 2011 -- due in part to a Republican electorate that was not sold on Mitt Romney's candidacy. It is the past few months, though, for which he may be most remembered -- for staying in the race for what most considered too long, rather than for the big ideas he espoused on the campaign trail.
"He has not made a good case for his name after this primary is over," said Ari Fleischer, a CNN contributor who served as President George W. Bush's spokesman. "And that's a shame, because Newt's done a lot for the Republican Party, but graciousness is part of politics. You just have to know when your time has come to walk off the stage."
Texas Governor Rick perry is now endorsing Mitt Romney for president. Perry originally endorsed Gingrich after ending his own campaign in January. He endorsed Romney after word Gingrich was exiting the race.
